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Compare any two UK universities

Select any two universities below and we'll generate an instant, data-driven comparison — rankings, salaries, student satisfaction, international community, and more.

N
Northumbria University, Newcastle

Newcastle upon Tyne · QS World #528

U
University of Birmingham

Birmingham · QS World #68

Head-to-Head Summary

Based on 11 datapoints

We looked at 11 data points — world rankings, student satisfaction, graduate salaries, employment rates, and more — to see which university scores higher in each category.

2/11

Northumbria

scored higher in 2 categories

VS

9/11

Birmingham

scored higher in 9 categories

Quick Verdict

University of Birmingham leads in 9 of 11 categories where both have data (ranking, Russell Group, established, satisfaction, international, graduate salary, courses). Northumbria University, Newcastle is ahead on employment, scholarship.

Northumbria University, Newcastle vs University of Birmingham at a glance

Northumbria University, Newcastle and University of Birmingham both teach 58 subject areas, the largest being Law, Business Studies and History. Northumbria University, Newcastle offers 305 courses across 71 subject areas; University of Birmingham offers 663 courses across 101 subject areas.

For undergraduate study, the typical published international fee is £19,850 a year at Northumbria University, Newcastle and £27,090 at University of Birmingham: Northumbria University, Newcastle is about £7,240 a year cheaper. For postgraduate study, the typical published international fee is £19,850 a year at Northumbria University, Newcastle and £23,390 at University of Birmingham: Northumbria University, Newcastle is about £3,540 a year cheaper.

Of the 35 subject areas both teach where each publishes a graduate salary, University of Birmingham is higher in 31 and Northumbria University, Newcastle in 4. The widest gap is in Computer Science: £25,500 three years after graduating from Northumbria University, Newcastle, against £40,000 from University of Birmingham. Of the 35 subject areas both teach where each publishes a student satisfaction score, Northumbria University, Newcastle is higher in 16 and University of Birmingham in 15, with 4 about level.

World & National Rankings

Compare world and national league table positions, TEF ratings, and Russell Group membership.

#528
QS World
#68
#401
THE World
#98
#53
Guardian UK
#18
1969
Established
1900
No
Russell Group
Yes
Silver
TEF Rating
Silver

Visual Breakdown

Key metrics at a glance

Longer bars indicate better performance. Metrics include student satisfaction, graduate salaries, and more.

Northumbria University, Newcastle

University of Birmingham

83.5%
86.7%

Satisfaction

Student satisfaction with teaching (NSS Survey, out of 100%)

£31,000
£38,700

Graduate Salaries (5y)

Median graduate salary 5 years after graduation

86.1%
83.3%

Employment

Graduate employment rate

24.5%
31.2%

International

International student share

305
663

Course Counts

Number of courses offered

7
3

Scholarships

Number of scholarships

International Community

Where do international students come from?

Top source countries based on official HESA enrolment data. A higher diversity of nationalities often means a richer campus experience.

Northumbria

85 countries · 24.5% international

  • 🇮🇳India35.3%
  • 🇳🇬Nigeria16.3%
  • 🌐Kuwait4%
  • 🇨🇳China3.8%
  • 🌐Sri Lanka3.8%
VS

Birmingham

104 countries · 31.2% international

  • 🇨🇳China55.7%
  • 🇮🇳India9.4%
  • 🇸🇦Saudi Arabia3.2%
  • 🇭🇰Hong Kong2.8%
  • 🇲🇾Malaysia2%

Subjects

58 subjects you can study at both

Courses listed at each university in the subject, and the typical (median) international fee a year. Select a count to see the courses.

Northumbria University, Newcastle

University of Birmingham

Also taught at both: Health Sciences & Paramedic Science, Chemistry, Media & Film Studies, Psychology (General), Social Work, Education Studies, Finance & Actuarial Science, Music, Economics, English Literature, Microbiology & Cell Biology, Biomedical Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Accounting, Nursing (General), English Language, General Engineering, Manufacturing & Production Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Biochemistry, Childhood & Youth Studies, Drama & Theatre, English Studies, Physical Geography & Climate, Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation, Public Health & Epidemiology, Adult Nursing, Applied Psychology, Biology, Linguistics, Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Clinical & Health Psychology, Creative Writing, Heritage & Conservation, Mental Health Nursing, Counselling & Psychotherapy, Hospitality, Events & Tourism, Human Geography & Environment, Midwifery, Children's Nursing, Computing & IT, Healthcare Science, Human Resource Management.

Only at Northumbria University, Newcastle

Only at University of Birmingham

Fees

What it costs international students

The typical (median) international tuition fee a year across each university's published course fees. Individual courses vary; each course page shows its own fee.

Undergraduate

Northumbria University, Newcastle
£19,850
University of Birmingham
£27,090

Northumbria University, Newcastle is about £7,240 a year cheaper.

Postgraduate

Northumbria University, Newcastle
£19,850
University of Birmingham
£23,390

Northumbria University, Newcastle is about £3,540 a year cheaper.

Outcomes

Graduate outcomes by subject

Median graduate salary three years after graduating, and student satisfaction with teaching, across each university's undergraduate courses in the subject. Source: Discover Uni.

Northumbria University, Newcastle

University of Birmingham

  • Law

    £22,500Salary (3 years)£27,500
    73%Satisfaction83%

  • Business Studies

    £26,000Salary (3 years)£35,000
    83%Satisfaction77%

  • History

    £23,000Salary (3 years)£26,000
    98%Satisfaction89%

  • Politics & International Relations

    £22,500Salary (3 years)£28,000
    92%Satisfaction86%

  • Computer Science

    £25,500Salary (3 years)£40,000
    87%Satisfaction93%

  • Sport & Exercise Sciences

    £22,500Salary (3 years)£25,000
    83%Satisfaction88%

  • Business & Management (General)

    £26,000Salary (3 years)£35,000
    77%Satisfaction79%

  • Civil Engineering

    £29,000Salary (3 years)£33,000
    83%Satisfaction78%

  • Sociology & Criminology

    £21,000Salary (3 years)£25,000
    78%Satisfaction83%

  • Marketing

    £26,000Salary (3 years)£35,000
    79%Satisfaction79%

  • Mathematics

    £27,000Salary (3 years)£31,000
    85%Satisfaction85%

  • Physics

    £22,000Salary (3 years)£32,500
    93%Satisfaction93%

Showing the 12 largest of 36 shared subjects with published outcomes.

Scholarships for International Students

Exclusive

Northumbria University, Newcastle

2025/26 PGT Sanctuary Scholarships

£3,000

Deadline: N/A

2025/26 UG Sanctuary Scholarships

£3,000

Deadline: N/A

Castle Peak Postgraduate Scholarships

See details

Deadline: N/A

GEMS Scholarship

See details

Deadline: N/A

Horiba Foundation UK Scholarship

See details

Deadline: N/A

View all scholarships →

University of Birmingham

Enhanced Chamberlain Award

£3,500

Deadline: N/A

University Music Scholarships

£3,000

Deadline: Jun 2026

University Music Scholarships

£1,000

Deadline: Jun 2026

View all scholarships →

FAQ

Northumbria University, Newcastle vs University of Birmingham: common questions

Is Northumbria University, Newcastle or University of Birmingham cheaper for international students?

For undergraduate study, the typical published international fee is £19,850 a year at Northumbria University, Newcastle and £27,090 at University of Birmingham: Northumbria University, Newcastle is about £7,240 a year cheaper. For postgraduate study, the typical published international fee is £19,850 a year at Northumbria University, Newcastle and £23,390 at University of Birmingham: Northumbria University, Newcastle is about £3,540 a year cheaper. These are medians of the international tuition fees each university publishes for its courses; the fee for a specific course is on its course page.

What subjects can you study at both Northumbria University, Newcastle and University of Birmingham?

Both universities teach 58 subject areas: Law, Business Studies, History, Politics & International Relations, Computer Science, Sport & Exercise Sciences, Business & Management (General), Civil Engineering, Sociology & Criminology, Teacher Training, Marketing, Health & Social Care and 46 more.

Is Northumbria University, Newcastle or University of Birmingham better for Law?

Law graduates earn a median £22,500 three years after graduating from Northumbria University, Newcastle, and £27,500 from University of Birmingham. Student satisfaction with teaching is 73% at Northumbria University, Newcastle and 83% at University of Birmingham. Figures are medians across each university's undergraduate courses in the subject, from Discover Uni.

Does Northumbria University, Newcastle or University of Birmingham offer more courses?

University of Birmingham lists 663 courses on CourseOptions and Northumbria University, Newcastle lists 305 courses.

What can you study at Northumbria University, Newcastle but not at University of Birmingham?

Northumbria University, Newcastle teaches 13 subject areas that University of Birmingham does not, including Design & Fashion, Building & Construction, Architecture, Astronomy & Astrophysics, Fine Art, Forensic Science, Nutrition & Dietetics, Personal & Professional Development and 5 more.

What can you study at University of Birmingham but not at Northumbria University, Newcastle?

University of Birmingham teaches 43 subject areas that Northumbria University, Newcastle does not, including Philosophy, Geology & Earth Sciences, International Development, Ancient Languages, History of Art & Design, Theology & Religious Studies, Chemical Engineering, Classical Studies and 35 more.

Ready to explore courses?

Browse available courses, check entry requirements, and find scholarships at each university.

N
Northumbria University, Newcastle305 courses · 7 scholarshipsBrowse Courses
U
University of Birmingham663 courses · 3 scholarshipsBrowse Courses